MSPs call for views on Bill to criminalise those buying sex

People with “lived experience” of prostitution and others are being urged to share their views on a Bill that could see men jailed for buying sex.

Holyrood’s Criminal Justice Committee is seeking views on the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.

The member’s Bill, introduced by Alba party MSP Ash Regan, targets those who buy sexual services by creating a new criminal offence of paying for a sexual act.

If passed, it would criminalise those buying sex, while decriminalising those selling it.

Under the proposals, those convicted of buying sex could be fined up to £10,000 if the case was prosecuted in the sheriff courts – with these courts also able to impose jail sentences of up to six months.

Launching the call for views, Criminal Justice Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said: “This Bill raises important questions on prostitution in Scotland and how it is considered by our laws.

“It proposes changes on criminalisation, the quashing of previous convictions and the support given to those who work in this environment and we want to hear from a range of voices on whether they welcome these provisions.

“We are particularly keen to hear the views of people with lived experience, on whether they support the proposals or not, and whether the changes this Bill proposes will help achieve its ambitions.”

The new Bill would repeal the existing offence, under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, of loitering, soliciting or importuning in a public place for the purposes of prostitution.

People who have been convicted of this offence in the past would have their convictions quashed by the new Bill.

It would also give rights to ensure a person who is, or has been, in prostitution is provided with help and support.

This could include accommodation, financial assistance, healthcare or legal advice and representation, depending on what is required.

The call for views closes on September 5, 2025.